“We have vehicles that are able to get across this very, very foul weather we had this week. Our Humvees are designed to handle this kind of weather. It’s military equipment that can transverse this very snowy and slippery terrain that we’ve had in the last week,” he said.

The troops were stationed along remote highways, where they carried supplies such as water and snack bars, and provided roadside safety tips to stranded motorists. Guard members also relayed information regarding road conditions, accidents and stranded motorists to Illinois State Police troopers.

The last snowstorm that required the assistance of the Illinois National Guard was more than 40 years ago.